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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today sent the following letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Regional Administrator, Alan Steinberg, calling on him to immediately expand EPA testing of animals near the Ringwood Superfund site.
Recently, one of six squirrels caught in the Ringwood area was found to have lead levels of up to 50 parts per million. Pallone voiced concern over these numbers because squirrels are one of many types of animals that residents of the region hunt and eat. The high lead levels pose a risk of contamination for residents. Due to this threat, Pallone also urged Administrator Steinberg to work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to provide adequate hunting advisories as soon as there is enough information available.
Alan J. Steinberg
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007-1866
Dear Regional Administrator Steinberg:
I am writing to urge that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) immediately expand its testing of various animals in and around the Ringwood Mines/Landfill Superfund site.
As reported in the Bergen Record yesterday, one of the six squirrels caught in the area of the site showed lead levels of up to 50 parts per million. Squirrels are one of many types of animals that area residents hunt and eat, which is why residents are justifiably concerned about contamination that may have bioaccumulated in various types of game.
Your agency should expand its testing to include not only squirrels but also deer, rabbits, and other wildlife that are frequently consumed by residents. It is disappointing that EPA officials have been unable to catch a single rabbit for testing, and I urge you to work with residents or appropriate contractors to ensure that you are able to catch rabbits, deer, and all necessary animals.
I am also dismayed that it has taken so long for EPA to decide to move forward with animal testing. Area residents have traditionally hunted and eaten wildlife, yet your agency did not think to begin testing wildlife for evidence of contamination until this year. This is another concerning sign that EPA does not understand the affected community at the site and has not been able to conduct appropriate community relations.
Finally, your agency needs to work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to provide adequate hunting advisories as soon as there is enough information available. It is critical that these advisories are issued as soon as there is any reason to believe the contamination may spread beyond the one squirrel so that residents can choose to take a safe approach if they wish to minimize this pathway of exposure.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR. Member of Congress |
